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14th National Games witness amateur participation growth
Updated 22:20, 29-Sep-2021
CGTN
Winner of the dragon boat rowing event during the 14th National Games in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, September 22, 2021. /CFP

Winner of the dragon boat rowing event during the 14th National Games in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, September 22, 2021. /CFP

Under the theme of "Games for all, together in mind and action," China's 14th National Games concluded on September 27. China's "mini Olympics" was not only for professional athletes, but also featured eight sports and 82 events for amateurs to participate in this quadrennial sporting event.

According to the General Administration of Sport of China, the newly introduced online group presentation attracted more than 700 self-organized teams, delivering performances in Taichi, broadcast gymnastics, fitness dancing and others, with more than 66 million viewers voting for their favorite performances online.

A beach football match during the 14th National Games in Beihai, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. /CFP

A beach football match during the 14th National Games in Beihai, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. /CFP

In order to include as many enthusiasts as possible, the organizers staged the amateur events in not only Shaanxi Province, where the opening and closing ceremonies took place, but also several other places across the country, such as dragon boat racing in Zhejiang Province, beach football in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and table tennis in Henan Province.

The women's singles final for amateurs at the 14th National Games in Xuchang, Henan Province, China. /CFP

The women's singles final for amateurs at the 14th National Games in Xuchang, Henan Province, China. /CFP

The Go event during the 14th National Games in Hefei, Anhui Province, China. /CFP

The Go event during the 14th National Games in Hefei, Anhui Province, China. /CFP

The National Games added amateur events in 2017 and this year's edition promoted the importance of fitness amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Daily exercise has long been the habit of the Chinese people. As the National Day holiday begins on October 1, many will use the week-long break as an opportunity to hit the gym and exercise outdoors, as personal health becomes more important than ever due to COVID-19 concerns.

The holiday opens up a window for outdoor activities people normally wouldn't have enough time for, such as hiking and running marathons. 

Although the National Games have concluded, China's passion for fitness will continue into the holiday season. 

A running event on the first day of the National Day holiday in Handan, Hebei Province, China, October 1, 2020. /CFP

A running event on the first day of the National Day holiday in Handan, Hebei Province, China, October 1, 2020. /CFP

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